Hi, I'm Jennifer Belle (user name JzBelle)
I'm [gulp] 55 years old (in my head I'm somewhere in my 30's with a dash of 17 or 65 depending on what I'm doing)
I've been dieting all my life. Tried everything except surgery.

I haven't done any type of diet the last few years--because [Yes I know its an excuse] of health issues..... One 'issue' is I had emergency gall bladder surgery 2 years ago and it has really messed up my eating. My gut doesn't like high fiber OR high fat. I've been eating a lot of starchy white foods since they seem easiest to digest.

The second big health issue was major case of Shingles last year. Hit me in March and it was September/October before the pain stopped. I spent a lot of time lying down not moving.

No exercise + white starchy foods = my highest weight ever of 285 lbs on a 5'4" frame. I'm miserable being so fat. I hate dressing for work. Never look in mirrors.

And I'm a TEACHER--so my too tight shirt or bulgy belly are totally on display to my student audience every day. UGH I can hardly think about it. They may even get glimpses of my stomach when I 'm reaching high up to write on the board!!!

In the past I've had some great help with people on diet forums. I'm hoping I can make some friends here to lean on a little.

I have to make a change! The last few day's Ive just been trying to eat healthier and less starchy. Baby steps to starting a more structured diet, maybe March 1st....

Oh Hon, you can join in anyplace you like ! This is a supportive forum. You'll have place to whine, laugh at yourself, and BRAG! woohoo! Get ready for some hard work ahead...

There are threads for your age group, your size, and your weight loss strategy. There's a thread for you over at the 280s and 270s, and there are some nice folks that post there--I also "see" them over on the calorie counter forum. There are contests and challenges; once you get going you might find those motivating. There are places where you can track your progress from month-to-month or holiday-to-holiday. You can even start your own thread.

Maybe make 1 or 2 small changes today (cut out soda? cut back on salt? add an extra veggie to your dinner?) and by the time March 1st comes next week, you'll already be on the journey! Anytime I tried to do a "start date" in the future, I binged really bad thinking it was always my last supper and I'd never eat again...

Hi, thanks for the welcome!
I am starting now--I've been trying to decrease portions. More veggies, less carbs. And I parked my car at the far end of the remote lot this morning so I have to walk further!
But on March 1 I'm probably going to start Wonderslim. or a version of Ideal Protein using the Wonderslim products. I need to order some supplies, shop for lean and green meals and maybe throw out some things that I don't want to have around to tempt me to fail!
Hoping to see everyone around, and getting smaller!

If you want to feel like a part of a community I recommend picking a thread and sticking to it on a regular basis you get to feel like you start to get to know the people. I personally hang out in the 300 club. I have a thread I post in regularily. I'm sure there are threads like that all over the place I know that for me though on a daily basis I am super busy and pretty much don't want to let-anyone-down so I've picked a "home" within this awesome website and that's works for me. I update with the same group of awesome people, we all offer each other support and it feels homey. I occasionally venture out to other parts of the forums but I make sure I check in regularly in that one place it makes me feel accountable. Hope you find a "homey" section for yourself.

Welcome and start today! Baby steps, change one thing. One good choice leads to another good choice. You can do this!!

__________________

Donna

a reminder from myself...
I have to fight the tendency of stinkin' thinkin' to give up because I'm not progressing. As long as I am still moving and watching what I put in my mouth then I am progressing no matter what the scale says.

Hi Jennifer, and welcome! You are in the right place. All of us are in the same boat, we have a weight problem and we are working very hard each day trying to get control of it.
I also like you are 5'4". I am 52 years old on my Dr. license ~ but 21 at heart.
And I also have had health issues, gall bladder out, a nasty case of shingles, and several surgeries because Crohns disease has ravaged my digestion system. I am on a low residue diet, mostly soft foods. Oh and the kicker- high doses of prednisone.
I have been working out at the local gym and watching my calories. I have placed mini goals along the way, so I don't feel so overwhelmed by all the weight I need to lose. My first mini goal is to get back under 200 Lbs. Than 10 Lbs. at a time.
Keep posting and keep us updated on your progress. We will celebrate with you each pound lost!

__________________Our Greatest Glory Is Not In Never Failing, But In Rising Up Everytime We Fail.~ Ralph Waldo Emerson